Another Julian Gollop classic – Laser Squad was one of the earliest squad-based tactical combat video games, released in 1988, and was originally developed for the ZX Spectrum (and later converted to various other systems).
Tag Archives: 1988
Toobin’, Arcade
Some old arcade games are instantly recognisable. Toobin’ – by Atari Games – is one of them.
It’s the only video game I can think of that utilises ‘kids floating down a river on a rubber tube’ style gameplay mechanics.
Carrier Command, Atari ST
Realtime Games‘ 1988 hit, Carrier Command, is a compelling mixture of 3D simulation and real-time strategy.
In it you take control of a futuristic, robotic aircraft carrier and must work your way through an island archipelago, taking control of each island and competing against a rival carrier.
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, Arcade
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is the amazing 1988 sequel to Ghosts ‘N Goblins.
Although not quite as difficult as its predecessor, Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is another tough horror-themed, fantasy run-and-gun type game, but with much better graphics than the first game, and some great set pieces and boss battles.
Atomic Runner Chelnov, Arcade
People have their own different ways of naming this game. Some call it Chelnov, others call it Atomic Runner Chelnov. Its full name is actually “Atomic Runner Chelnov – Nuclear Man, the Fighter” but that’s all a bit of a mouthful in my opinion, so I’ll just stick to Chelnov for now.
Intensity, Commodore 64
Intensity was Andrew Braybrook‘s final Commodore 64 game (before moving on to 16-bit machines), and it’s a pretty good rescue the colonists type game, where you control a skimmer that has to contend with all manner of obstacles, all of which either want to kill you, or eat the colonists you’re trying to rescue.
Exile, Commodore 64
Jeremy Smith and Peter Irvin‘s groundbreaking Exile first came out on the BBC Model B in 1988 and was later converted to other systems. Including for the Commodore 64.
Penguin Wars 2, MSX
Sequel to the fun arcade game made by UPL and published by ASCII in 1985. This second game was released by ASCII on the MSX in 1988 and is an excellent continuation of the theme, which is similar to air hockey, but with animals playing against each other.
Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh, Atari ST
More than just another bat and ball game, Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh on the Atari ST is a brilliant conversion of the popular Taito arcade game.
Dungeon Master, PC
Although the mighty Dungeon Master did come out on the Atari ST first, its best incarnation can be found on the PC, in MS-DOS.
